Cervical vertebral interbody fusion in the horse: a comparative study of bovine xenografts and autografts supported by stainless steel baskets.

This study investigates the effectiveness of different grafts in stabilizing horse cervical vertebrae, using a modified version of a human fusion technique. Researchers compared the results from using bovine grafts and autografts supported by stainless steel baskets in horses, finding both to be effective with the latter producing more bone union and less motion at the implantation sites.

Research Methodology

• A version of the human Cloward technique for anterior cervical fusion was modified and applied to horses to evaluate the efficacy of different grafts in stabilizing cervical vertebrae in this species.
• The impact of bovine xenograft implants was researched in a group of 8 horses and compared with the results of stainless steel baskets packed with cancellous autogenous bone in another group of 8 horses.

Research Findings

• The study found that regardless of the type of graft material used, incorporation occurred in all cases. This means that both bovine xenografts and cancellous bone autografts supported by stainless steel baskets were successfully integrated into the horse’s own bone material.
• The study found no evidence of graft rejection. In the field of organ transplant, graft rejection refers to the host’s immune system attacking the new organ or tissue. That this did not occur in this study suggests good biocompatibility between the graft materials and the host horses.
• The implants were able to effectively decrease the mobility of the intervertebral space in which they were implanted. This suggests that these graft types can be used to restrict movement in a particular area of the spine, which can be beneficial in treating certain spinal conditions.
• After the xenograft implantation, a fibrous connective tissue union was prevalent. This suggests the formation of fibrous connective tissue around the implant, which aids in its integration, was commonly observed in these cases.
• Osseous union (formation of new bone material around the implant) was prevalent after implantation of the stainless steel baskets packed with cancellous autogenous bone. This demonstrates that this type of graft has a good ability to stimulate bone growth, which is crucial for the stability and longevity of such implants.
• The greatest reduction in range of motion was observed at sites with the stainless steel basket implants, indicating they provide more stability to the cervical vertebrae of horses.